How to write a technical writer contract?

To write a technical writer contract, define the terms that both parties agree to. Describe in detail the scope of the work to be done, the duration of the project, terms of payment, and other pertinent clauses necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project. Include the section signed by both parties to make the contract effective, and other clauses necessary for your organization.

What is a technical writing contract?

A technical writing contract is a legally binding document where the technical writer agrees to provide specific technical writing services to the other party in return for an agreed-upon fee, be it monthly or hourly. Having a technical writing contract in place lowers the possibility of misunderstandings or disputes and helps ensure that projects are completed successfully and on time.

What information should a contract for technical writing contain?

A contract for technical writing should include the names of the parties involved, the details of the project, the scope of work for the project, the term of the contract, payment terms, termination of the contract, confidentiality clauses — and any other applicable terms and conditions particularly required by an organization.

Do you even need a technical writer contract?

Yes, because a contract is a legally binding agreement. It explicitly outlines the role of the technical writer and the expectations of the client. Creating a contract safeguards the rights and responsibilities of both parties and ensures that all parties abide by the terms of the agreement, thus decreasing the possibility of misunderstandings and disputes. Save time by using a customizable and professionally-written technical writer contract template.

Can I use your technical writer contract template?

Yes! PandaDoc’s professionally-written technical writer contract template helps you create a legally binding contract in minutes.

Technical Writer Contract Template

Prepared for:

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]

[Client.Company]

[Client.Phone]

[Client.Email]

[Client.StreetAddress][Client.City], [Client.State][Client.PostalCode]

Prepared by:

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]

[Sender.Company]

[Sender.Phone]

[Sender.Email]

[Sender.StreetAddress][Sender.City], [Sender.State][Sender.PostalCode]

This TECHNICAL WRITER CONTRACT (hereinafter referred to as the “CONTRACT”) made and entered on [Document.CreatedDate] by and between:

Name: [Client.FirstName][Client.LastName], and Name: [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName][Sender.Company]

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName] / [Client.Company] (hereinafter referred to as "Client"); and [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] / [Sender.Company] (hereinafter referred to as “Technical Writer”);

Hereinafter the Client and the Technical Writer are collectively referred to as "Parties."

Description of Services

The Client hereby employs the Technical Writer to perform the services of technical writing. The Technical Writer agrees to offer the following services to the Client:

insert the type of technical writing and objectives to be provided; for example

Review, analyze, and edit existing documentation
Create technical documents, user guides, manuals
Research technical topics and compile results into written documents
Proofread and edit documents for brevity, factual accuracy, and grammar

Term of Contract

The term of the Contract shall be (insert the term length, for example, six months, two years) and shall begin on (insert start date in mm.dd.yyyy format) and shall expire on (insert end date in mm.dd.yyyy format).

Terms of Payment

The Technical Writer shall be entitled to full payment for all services provided upon completion of the assigned project(s).

The Client shall pay the Technical Writer a rate of (insert the rate per hour, or per month, as needed) and send the full payment within (insert number, for example, 15 days) days of invoice submission.

In case of late payment, the Technical Writer shall be entitled to a late fee (insert the amount, for example, 0.5%) of payment per day until such payment is received.

Revisions

The Technical Writer agrees to revise any written materials created as part of this Contract within a period of (insert a period) of the Client’s request, completely free of charge unless otherwise agreed upon.

Intellectual Property Rights

In order to safeguard the Client's IP rights, the Technical Writer:

Acknowledges that all materials created for the Client in connection with this Contract shall remain the exclusive property of the Client.
Agrees to cooperate with all reasonable requests for documentation to secure the Client’s rights to the Intellectual Property.
Agrees to hold all information and material received from the Client in confidence and not to disclose it to any third party – or parties.

Termination

Both Parties may terminate this contract at any time – be it due to non-performance or material breach of the terms of this contract by the other party. However, in the case of a breach, the non-breaching party has to offer the breaching party at least (insert the number of days, for example, seven days) written notice to remedy the breach.

Governing Laws

This Contract shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of [Client.State].

Agreed and Accepted

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Contract as of the date first above written.

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]